Proposal to relocate Kailua High is dead

The developer who proposed a land swap arrangement that included a possible new campus for aging Kailua High School has withdrawn the offer.

Developer Christopher Dey sent a letter to the board withdrawing the proposal on Wednesday, citing signs that the Board of Education would not approve it.

Members were informed of the withdrawal at a board meeting last night before the body was due to vote on it.

Sound Investments LLC offered last year to provide the state 97 acres of land near Mount Olomana as the new school site, plus $70 million to build the campus.

In exchange the company would have been given 73 acres including the current Kailua High site, which was to be developed for housing.

The board had been expected to reject it.

A report by a group of board members chosen to study the offer cited the 97-acre parcel's difficult topography, distance from central Kailua and designation as state conservation land in recommending rejection of the offer.

The report also said site preparation and construction of a new school likely would cost closer to $150 million.